Shifting from one living situation to another is traumatic for a child. Adoption agencies want to ensure that you can handle the stress of a new child and are able to provide a stable, nurturing environment in the long term. Agencies in the United States must adhere to the laws of the states where they operate. Many adoption agencies add their own requirements based on their experience and social or religious beliefs.
Age Requirements
Adoptive parents usually must be at least 18, and most adoption agencies will not place an infant with parents who are over 40. Adoption agencies also consider the age differential. They generally require the age difference between parent and child to be at least 20 years but no more than 40 years. If you are over 40, you may be more likely to gain adoption approval through international programs, because some foreign countries greatly value maturity.
Marital Status
It is easier for a married couple to adopt than a single person. Adoption agencies generally do not allow newlyweds to adopt; they want to see that the marriage is stable before they will place a child with the couple. Three years of marriage is normally the required minimum. Previous divorce generally is not a problem if you can demonstrate that your current marriage is stable.
Health Considerations
Most adoption agencies rigorously screen prospective parents for health issues, because they don't want the child to be further traumatized by the premature loss of a parent after adoption. The agency also wants to be sure you are able to handle the physical demands of raising an active child. If you have previously experienced a life-threatening illness, such as cancer, some adoption agencies may require a three-year waiting period.
Financial Requirements
Many adoption agencies require you to demonstrate that you have the financial resources to provide for the child. Sometimes there is a specific salary requirement. Adoption agencies in China, for example, require an annual income of $10,000 per family member, including the adoptive child.
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Most agencies screen for drug use and will disqualify users. A history of prior drug use also can be a disqualifier, because agencies view this as an indicator you may use drugs again in the future. For international adoptions, you may be approved if your drug use is 15 years or more in the past. Agencies also screen for indications of alcohol abuse, and some religious-based agencies will not approve candidates who use alcohol in any amount. Because of the dangers of second-hand smoke, adoption agencies are increasingly disqualifying prospective parents who smoke.
